Raleigh, NC Airport Information
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Approximate taxi fare: $47 USD
Located 14 miles from downtown, RDU International Airport combines southern hospitality and high-tech amenities to create a positive experience for travelers. Served by nine major airlines, RDU International provides 400 daily flights from nearly 40 top destinations, including international service from London, Paris, and Toronto. Both Terminals 1 and 2 at RDU are fully modernized and more welcoming than ever before, after redevelopment and modernization projects during recent years.
Outside the terminals, a massive, abstract sculpture of steel airplane wings and a swirling elliptical band of blue light provides a dramatic welcome to the region. The sculpture celebrates the state's rich aviation heritage and the 100th anniversary of powered flight by the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Artwork throughout the airport reflects the theme "Mind-made, Hand-made" and showcases the talents and craftsmanship of local artists, including North Carolina's Native American Indians.
Travelers are free to explore The Shops of RDU, which feature casual restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, local retailers, and national chains such as Brooks Brothers. Airport parking facilities include nearly 10,000 spaces in the Daily Lot and over 1,000 spaces in the Hourly Lot. The Hourly lot charges $1 per hour with a maximum $24 charge, and the Daily lot charges $2 per hour with a maximum $12 charge. A Park and Ride option is also available with a $6 per day charge.
Airline carriers serving the Raleigh-Durham International Airport
- Air Canada
- Alaska
- Allegiant
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
Raleigh, NC Train Information
Raleigh Amtrak Station
Raleigh's Amtrak station is the second busiest in the southeast, servicing three trains: the Silver Star, Carolinian, and Piedmont. The Silver Star runs on the Silver Service/Palmetto lines, which include stops between New York City, Georgia, and Florida. The Carolinian travels daily between NYC and Charlotte, with stops in Richmond, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, while the Piedmont runs daily between Raleigh and Charlotte. (A second Amtrak station in the area serves passengers arriving in or departing from the town of Cary.)
Raleigh, NC Ground Transportation
GoRaleigh
GoRaleigh (formerly Capital Area Transit) provides service throughout the city of Raleigh.
Buses
GoRaleigh operates 30 bus routes, 26 of which are fixed routes serving downtown. Hours and schedules vary based on route. Fare is $1 for adults and $0.50 for seniors and people with disabilities. Day, five-day and 31-day passes are available.
R-LINE
The R-LINE is an eco-friendly approach to urban transportation. This free circulator connects visitors to the restaurants, retail, entertainment venues, museums, hotels and parking facilities around downtown Raleigh. Hybrid buses run approximately every 15 minutes Monday-Wednesday, 7 am-11 pm, Thursday-Saturday, 7 am-2:15 am and Sunday, 1-8 pm.
Historic Raleigh Trolley
The city of Raleigh operates a trolley service using replicas of streetcars that traveled Raleigh's streets until 1932.
The Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour operates every Saturday, March to December, at 11 am, noon, 1 pm and 2 pm. This narrated tour lasts one hour and departs from Mordecai Historic Park on the hour. Tickets are $4 for children (ages 7-17) and $10 for adults. Tickets for children ages six and under are free.
Public Shuttle Service
GoTriangle (formerly Triangle Transit Authority) provides shuttle service between downtown Raleigh and the airport. One-way fare is $2.25 for adults. A Regional Day Pass, good for travel on all public transportation systems in the Triangle area, is $4.50.
Car Rentals
10 major airport rental car companies, including Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty, are centrally located at RDU International Airport, a short shuttle bus ride from the terminals. Shuttles run every 15 minutes and stop at the curb near the baggage claim area of each terminal. Thrifty Rental Car's facility is located off airport premises and offers shuttle service for customers.
Taxis
RDU Taxi, Inc. provides service to and from the airport. The typical taxi fare for the 14-mile trip to downtown Raleigh averages $41.50. The fare is based on a $4 drop charge and $1.95 each mile. There is a $0.50 charge for each piece of luggage over three pieces per person.